Buffalo Creek Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Conservation - Draft EA
Mar 18, 2021 3:33 PM
Yellowstone cutthroat trout are a natural treasure and an icon of Yellowstone National Park and the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness; however, nonnative rainbow trout in Buffalo Creek threaten the Yellowstone cutthroat trout in legendary streams in the Lamar River watershed. This project proposes to remove nonnative rainbow trout from the Buffalo Creek watershed within the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness to its confluence with Slough Creek in Yellowstone National Park. Slough Creek is a highly valued Yellowstone cutthroat trout fishery; however, rainbow trout and hybrids have been found with increasing frequency over the past decade. The primary goal of this project is to remove rainbow trout from the Buffalo Creek watershed, which would protect the genetic integrity of Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the Lamar River basin.
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Public Comment Opportunity
Deadline: Comments must be received by April 21, 2021 by noon
The 34-day public comment period will begin on March 19, 2021 and comments must be received by April 21, 2021 by noon. A virtual meeting may be held if public interest warrants it. Comments can be emailed to: fwpregion5pc@mt.gov Please use header, Buffalo Creek Project. Mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Buffalo Creek Project, 2300 Elmo Lake Drive, Billings, MT 59105. For additional questions or to leave a phone message comment please contact Mike Ruggles, at (406) 247-2961.
Comments pertaining to the U.S. Forest Service decision whether to authorize the proposed application of piscicide and associated motorized equipment operation in the Absaroka Beartooth Wilderness should be submitted to the U.S. Forest Service either:
Electronically (preferred): in Word, PDF, or excel format, through the Forest Service’s CARA database: https://cara.ecosystem-management.org/Public/CommentInput?Project=59630
By Mail:
ATTN: Buffalo Creek Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Conservation
Gardiner Ranger District
PO Box 5
Gardiner, MT 59030.
Or hand delivery during regular office hours (8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday):
Gardiner Ranger District
805 Scott Street
Gardiner, Montana